The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has strongly condemned the violent attacks, vandalism and arson carried out at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, describing the incidents as deeply disturbing and contrary to the spirit of a democratic society. In a statement issued on Saturday, the country’s apex cricket authority expressed grave concern over the assaults on two of Bangladesh’s most respected media institutions.
The BCB conveyed its heartfelt solidarity with the journalists, editors and employees of both newspapers who were affected by the attacks. Acknowledging the fear and disruption caused by such acts of violence, the Board reaffirmed its enduring respect for the media and reiterated its unwavering support for press freedom, journalistic professionalism and the right to independent reporting.
In its statement, the cricket board emphasised that a free, fearless and responsible press is a cornerstone of good governance and social progress. It noted that attempts to intimidate or silence media organisations through violence not only endanger journalists but also undermine democratic values and public trust. The BCB expressed hope that the situation would stabilise swiftly, allowing Prothom Alo and The Daily Star to resume their professional duties with the same integrity, credibility and commitment that have defined their journalism for decades.
Earlier, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) also issued a strong condemnation of the attacks. In its statement, the BFF highlighted the vital role both newspapers have played in promoting sports in Bangladesh. It noted that Prothom Alo and The Daily Star have consistently supported the development of national sports, while tirelessly highlighting the achievements of Bangladeshi footballers at both national and international levels. The federation described the violence as unacceptable and called for an end to such destructive actions.
Meanwhile, the country’s leading sports journalists’ organisations—the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA), the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA) and the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community (BSJC)—jointly demanded that those responsible be identified, brought before the law and punished without delay. They stressed that ensuring accountability is essential to safeguarding journalists and preventing similar incidents in the future.
According to reports, a vested interest group exploited the tragic killing of Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi to incite unrest. On Thursday night, this group allegedly carried out coordinated attacks involving vandalism and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. As a result, neither newspaper could be published on Friday, and their online portals were temporarily taken offline.
The incidents have sparked widespread condemnation across civil society, reinforcing calls for the protection of media institutions and the preservation of freedom of expression in Bangladesh.